Convertible furniture

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a convertible furniture piece. In particular, the piece of the present invention converts from a bench seat with optional under-bench storage, to a table and two bench unit.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/482,670, filed on May 5, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In many living or work environments, space may be at a premium. While it may be useful at times to have a dining or working table, at other times having open space in lieu of the table may be beneficial. In the prior art, there .are examples of convertible tables, but no device which can serve as a table with two benches, be folded into a single bench, and also include under-bench storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To meet this varied need, the present invention is directed to a convertible furniture piece. In particular, the piece of the present invention converts from a bench seat (hereinafter, the “folded” state) with optional under-bench storage, to a table and two bench unit (hereinafter, the “expanded” state). See FIGS. 1-3. In the folded state, the present invention serves as a bench, nominally with 14″×61″ of seating, a back, and optional storage underneath. In the expanded state, the present invention is a full-size dining table with two benches of comparable size, each for seating one or more people and each nominally seating three. The operation for converting between the folded and expanded states is a simple, elegant, safe, and fluid operation, requiring a single person of ordinary strength to merely lift and pull with ease. Unlike a Murphy bed, the present invention does not fold away and instead is functional in two distinct states.

Throughout the design process, serious consideration went into solving the functional attributes of compactness as a bench, ease of operation, strength, safety, and expansive functional area in the expanded state. The process of converting between the folded and expanded states is achieved by merely requiring one step to expand and up. to two to fold. Dimensions for the preferred embodiment as appropriate are included herein, however dimensions may vary as the piece may be made larger or smaller than detailed herein.

In addition, great consideration went into the development of operational safety—for the user, people in the vicinity, and for the floors and walls around the piece. During transitions or in any state, the piece of the present invention has been designed to maintain weight balance and does not require bolting or fastening to external structures to operate correctly. To function properly, the piece only needs to be placed on a relatively flat surface that adequately supports its weight. The design allows for operation on delicate hard wood floors, including but not limited to pine and bamboo, without damage. Additionally, it can function well on carpeted or other high-friction surfaces as well.

Further, the piece of the present invention has no exposed ends so as to reduce any possible injury from cuts or pinching.

In the preferred embodiment, all parts are made of hardened steel, unless otherwise indicated below. As can be readily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, other alternative materials may interchangeably be included on a part by part basis, so long as the strength, safety, and utility are maintained or improved.

In the preferred embodiment, the transition between the folded and expanded states is accomplished with limited human intervention, albeit by one of ordinary strength. To transition the piece from the folded to the expanded state, a person of ordinary strength grasps the end at or near its most distal point from the wall, lifts slightly, and pulls. The piece expands easily utilizing the built-in rollers and the hinging which maintains distribution of weight as the unit is expanded. To transition the piece back to the folded state, a person of ordinary strength grasps the distal end and pushes.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece which is functional in at least two different states and includes a table and at least two benches.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece which rapidly, safely, and simply converts between the various states.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece that allows for storage and that such storage is usable in all states and during transitions.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece that is aesthetically pleasing.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a convertible furniture piece whereby, during the conversion, the weight distribution of the piece is aligned with the movement of the hinging mechanism.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide .a convertible furniture piece whereby during the conversion, the weight distribution of the piece is generally centered around the center of the hinging mechanism.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to convertible furniture and, more particularly, to a furniture piece which converts from a bench with optional under bench storage to a single unit with a table and at least two benches which nominally seat six people.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of the furniture piece of the present invention in the expanded state.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the furniture piece of the, present invention during transition.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective side view of the furniture piece of the present invention in the folded state.

FIGS. 4-7 show perspective side views of the frame of the furniture piece of the present invention in the expanded state with table top and bench cover removed.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the static bench of the furniture piece of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the legs of the furniture piece of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the frame of the table top of the furniture piece of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the connectivity between one leg and the table top frame of the furniture piece of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the connectivity between one leg and the table top frame of the furniture piece of the present invention, particularly showing the motion control pin.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the moving bench of the furniture piece of the present invention, particularly showing the frame.

FIGS. 14-16 show various views of the wheel assembly of the moving bench of the furniture piece of the present invention.

FIGS. 17-26 show additional views of the furniture piece of the present invention in various transition positions and in the expanded and folded states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below is an overview of the design, by section. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts are connected using off-the-shelf screws, bolts, and other ordinary hardware of sufficient strength and length for the necessary purpose.

Overview by Section Section A

Static Bench (highlighted in FIG. 4, see FIG. 8)

The majority of this section does not move, forming an anchor-like connection to the floor surface, and allowing for proper operation of all moving parts.

Section B

Table Legs (highlighted in FIG. 5, see FIG. 9)

Legs form a rigid linkage between the static bench, Table Top, and moving bench, allowing for stability of the table when open, fluid arching while closing, and stability when closed.

Section C

Table Top (highlighted in FIG. 6, see FIG. 10)

The Table Top discretely houses the motion control assembly, which allows for proper operation of the entire piece—from the flowing motion during operation to the static rigidity when open or closed.

Section D

Moving Bench (highlighted in FIG. 7, see FIG. 13)

Like the table legs, the moving bench is held in its open or closed position by motion control pins. When activated by the user, the moving bench easily glides open or closed, activating the opening or closing of the entire assembly.

Below are the parts within each section, identified by part number, name, purpose, parameters, and potential design revisions.

Section A

Static Bench (see FIG. 8 with corresponding reference numbers)

1.Static Bench

a. To function as an anchor for the entire piece, allowing for the proper operation of all moving parts in relation to static bench and the floor, with which the static bench is in contact. The Static Bench also serves as a seating area, nominally for three people.

Additionally, the static bench supports the cabinetry for storage, and the moving bench lid (and the weight of those sitting on the bench). The optional cabinetry is preferably made of a hard wood, although other materials which provide for the possibility of serving as doors or covers may also be used. One or more shelves can optionally be included within the under bench storage area.

When the optional storage area is used, the covering is preferably formed from two doors, each hinged separately, although other openings, such as but not limited to quad doors or sliders may alternatively be used.

b. Ordinarily made from steel, the static bench must weigh enough to act as an anchor for the entire piece, ensuring that it does not move in any phase of operation or use. Additionally, it must be sufficiently strong enough to remain rigid against the forces acted upon it during normal operation.

c. In an alternate design, the weight may be reduced while maintaining or improving overall functionality. Additionally, weight may be reduced to aid in the stability of the anchor function—or, in certain circumstances, to aid in securing the Static Bench to the floor.

2. Anchor L

a. Welded directly to the side of the Static Bench and extending farther forward, the anchor prevents the Static Bench from tipping forward—the primary potential misbalancing force placed upon the Static Bench.

The Anchor creates a rigid link between the Static Bench and the Table Legs, allowing for proper operation of the piece. The interior of the Anchor houses a Bearing Block and Bearing—the placement of which determines the center point of the arc that the Table Legs move.

The external edge of the Anchor restricts the range of motion of the Table Leg connecting to it, determining the final open position and the final closed position, as well as the arc of moment during operation.

b. Made from steel, the Anchor must be sufficiently strong enough to remain rigid against the forces acted upon it during normal operation.

c. In optimizing the design, the bearing may be placed inside of the Table legs, e.g., rather than the Anchor, which would allow for lightening the weight and overall size of the Anchor piece significantly. The function of the anchor would remain intact, but some elements of the method of operation and design would be shifted into the Table Legs.

3. Anchor R—Mirror of Anchor L

4. Bearing Block (Note: there are 8 bearing blocks and 8 bearings, all of which are identical—Each of the legs has a shaft at each of its ends. The shaft connects to a bearing, which is housed in a bearing block. There are four legs, each with two shafts, so there are eight bearings and their respective bearing blocks. Each bearing block is bolted to a steel portion of the part the leg it is forming a link to—they are as follows: Anchor L, Anchor R, each of the four Table Frame connection points, and either side of the Moving Bench legs.

a. The bearing block is of a solid form that holds a bearing in a stationary position, allowing a shaft from one part to be mounted on the bearing, while the bearing block is mounted to a flat portion of another part. Relative to the Anchor, the bearing block is located just forward of the center point, and attached to a steel plate inside the anchor, affixed with four steel bolts.

b. Made from steel, the Bearing Block must be sufficiently strong enough to remain rigid against the forces acted upon it during normal operation.

c. An alternative to the current design includes a bearing with reduced weight while maintaining or improving overall functionality.

5. Bearing (Note: there are 8 bearing blocks and 8 bearings, all of which are identical)

a. To create a rigid connection between various moving parts, allowing for fluid motion only along an arc determined by the bearing placement and the parts to which it is connected.

b. The bearing, preferably an off-the-shelf bearing, must, be selected so as to withstand significant axial, radial, and moment load, while being small enough to fit within the assembly.

c. Currently, the only commercially available bearing that fits the above parameters is a preloaded, back-to-back double row, double sealed (rubber or steel), angular contact ball bearing, with a 17 mm bore. Alternatively a slewing ring or Table Top bearing can be used if they it fit the above criteria.

Another possible alternative is to eliminate some or all of the bearings. It is theoretically possible to obtain the functions needed with an alternate connection method, such as a pin in a hole, or other mechanical linkages.

6.Static Bench Cabinetry

a. Surface material attached to the Static Bench, providing space for storage as well as a linkage to the Static Bench Lid.

b. Made from wood, the Static Bench Cabinetry must be made strong enough to withstand normal operations, including the force of weight applied from the Static Bench Lid above and the impact force applied when the Moving Bench contacts the Static Bench Lid.

May be integrated into the design of the Static Bench to optimize the design.

7. Static Bench Lid

a. Creates a seating platform when the table is in the open position.

When the table is closed, the Static Bench Lid is in an upright position and provides a back to the Moving Bench seat.

b. Made from wood, the Static Bench Lid must support the weight of users, while also being light enough not to impede the closing of the table as it lifts from contact with the moving bench.

c. Design revisions will be based on user needs.

8. End Cap A

a. Attaching to the outside edges of the Static Bench Lid, with a slightly raised edge, the End Cap provides a rigid and durable contact surface between the Static Bench Lid and the Moving Bench.

When the Moving Bench is in transition toward the folded state and reaches the point just before it would make contact with the Static Bench Lid, the moving bench makes contact with the End Cap. The End Cap protects the Static Bench Surface by absorbing the contact and because it protrudes just past the Static Bench Surface. Then, because of the profile design has a higher leading edge than the Moving Bench, the End Cap slides up and over the Moving Bench as the Moving Bench is pushed closed.

b. Made from steel, the End Cap must resist the impact force applied to it, while not creating an undesirable amount of friction between it and the moving bench—both auditory and resistance friction is to be avoided.

c. Should there be undesirable friction in the end cap, the design may alternatively include a small wheel or an alternative surface treatment to reduce friction.

9. End Cap B—Mirror of End Cap A

Section B

Table Legs (see. FIG. 9 with Corresponding Reference Numbers)

10. Leg A

a. To form a rigid linkage between the Anchor and the Table Top, while also allowing an arcing range of motion determined by the placement of motion control slots in Leg A (for interaction with motion control pins in attaching surfaces, the motion control pin is shown in FIG. 12)—motion activated by the user.

The shape of the legs is critical to their use. In particular, each leg is made of multiple straight sections, each welded to the next at an angle, nominally as shown in the Figures. The angular construction allows much greater rigidity than a single straight piece would. As such, the angular construction allows for minimal material use, and the weight associated with it, while optimizing strength and rigidity.

The specific shape of the angular design is to optimize the user experience. In the expanded state, the legs are positioned so as to be as limited an obstruction, as possible so as to make entry for a person as easy as possible, making it as easy—or easier—to sit at the piece of the present invention as it is for any standard table on the market.

Leg A makes contact with a motion control pin of the Anchor piece when fully extended, determining the final position, of Leg A. Additionally, Leg A-makes contact with a motion control pin on the Table Top when the Table Top reaches a point where its relationship to Leg A is the same as it would be if Leg A were fully extended and the Table Top parallel to the floor—the combination forms a smooth arc when in transition while concurrently providing rigidity both during the transitions and when in the folded and expanded state.

Similarly, Leg A contacts the motion control pin of the Anchor piece when fully retracted, determining the fully retracted position of Leg A. Leg A makes contact with a motion control pin on the Table Top when the Table Top reaches a point where its relationship to Leg A is the same as it would be if Leg A were fully retracted and the Table Top perpendicular to the floor—the combination creates a smooth arching motion while providing rigidity when the table is in the closed position.

Additionally, the design of Leg A and how it interacts with motion control pins determine not only the final orientation of the Table Top, but the Table. Top's horizontal distance from the origin of the arc (the bearing block in the Anchor). Having the Table Top horizontally past the origin of the arc naturally holds the table in either the expanded or folded state without any additional hardware or steps for the user.

The shape of Leg A is intended to allow the greatest clearance between the Static Bench and the Legs, such that a person moving from a standing position near the table to a sitting position at the table is not burdensome for the user. In conjunction with the user experience, shape is optimized to economize space while not sacrificing rigidity.

b. Leg A, preferably made from steel, must be rigid enough to support the weight and forces applied to it, while being light enough not to burden normal operation.

c. In an alternative design, the legs may be made using alternative materials to optimize or customize the function—such as but not limited to wood, hardened plastic, or aluminum. Additionally, bearings may be placed inside the legs or replaced by an alternate connection option.

11. Leg B—Mirror of Leg A

12. Leg C

a. To form a rigid linkage between the Table Top and the Moving Bench, while also allowing an arcing range of motion determined by the placement of motion control slots in Leg C (for interaction with motion control pins in attaching surfaces)—motion activated by the user.

Leg C makes contact with the motion control pins of the Moving Bench when fully extended, determining the final position of Leg C. Additionally, Leg C makes contact with a motion control pin on the Table Top when the Table Top reaches a point where it's relationship to Leg C is the same as it would be if Leg C were fully extended and the Table Top parallel to the floor—the combination forms a smooth arc when in transition while concurrently providing rigidity both during the transitions and when in the folded and expanded state.

Similarly, Leg C contacts a motion control pin on the Moving Bench when fully retracted, determining the fully retracted position of Leg C. Leg C makes contact with a motion control pin on the Table Top when the Table Top reaches a point where its relationship to Leg C is the same as it would be if Leg C were fully retracted and the Table Top perpendicular to the floor—the combination creates a smooth arching motion while providing rigidity when the table is in the closed position.

Additionally, the design of Leg C and how it interacts with motion control pins, determine not only the final orientation of the Table Top, but the Table Top's horizontal distance from the origin of the arc (the bearing block in the Anchor). Having the Table Top horizontally past the origin of the art naturally holds the table in either the expanded or folded state without any additional hardware or steps for the user.

The shape of Leg C is optimized to allow the greatest clearance between the Static Bench and the Legs, such that entering the table is not burdensome for the user. In conjunction with the user experience, shape is optimized to economize space while not sacrificing rigidity.

b. Leg C, made from steel, must be rigid enough to support the weight and forces applied to it, while being light enough not to burden normal operation.

c. In an alternative design, the legs may be made, using alternative materials to optimize or customize the function—such as but not limited to wood, hardened plastic, or aluminum. Additionally, bearings may be placed inside the legs or replaced by an alternate connection option.

13. Leg D—Mirror of Leg C

Section C

Table Top (see FIG. 10-12 with Corresponding Reference Numbers)

14. Table Top Frame

a. The Table Top frame provides a rigid mounting surface for all elements related to the Table Top—bearing blocks (and bearings), table legs, table top surface, hinges, and all internal hardware aiding functionality.

b. The Table Top Frame, made from steel, must be rigid enough to support the weight forces applied to it, while being light enough not to burden normal operation.

c. As an alternative, other materials such as but not limited to wood or hardened plastics may be used to improve weight and/or function.

d. Each leg is connected to the table top frame by insertion and internal securing, as can be seen in FIG. 11-12.

15. Torque Hinge (there are four in total, one on each Table Leg shaft)

Adjustable friction hinge, ranging in strength from 0-100 in-lb, attached to each Table Leg shaft, to dampen any abrupt shifts in position between the Table Top and the Table Legs throughout normal operation.

a. The Torque Hinge must have sufficient strength to resist sudden movements and smooth out the general operation and function of the piece, without providing more resistance than is tolerable for the average user. Additionally, it must fit within the interior of the Table Top frame.

b. The present Torque Hinge is an off-the-shelf hinge and is characterizable as the lightest, strongest, smallest aftermarket hinge available, but it is comparatively expensive. In an alternative to improve cost, the bearings may be removed or an alternative hinge may be used, which will require fine-tuning the connection between the Table Legs and the Table Top.

16. Torsion Spring

a. The Torsion Spring, located along the same shaft as the Torque Hinge (each of the Table Leg shafts) allows for the table to expand and fold properly.

The Torsion Spring provides a lifting force on the Table Top, in relation to the Table Leg shafts, and guides the Table Top movement upward as the user folds the unit, thereby folding the table. When in the final folded state, the force of the Torsion Springs hold the Moving Bench in position (without which, the moving bench would slide away from the static bench until Legs C & D are resting in their fully extended position). The moving bench is on wheels. When the table top is folded, and above/past the pivot point on the anchor, the table top still press downward on the moving bench, which acts as a force that pushes the moving bench away from the static bench—however, the torsion force on the static side of the table top pulls the moving side of the table top in toward the static side, which results in the moving side of the table top not dropping, which also results in the moving bench staying stationary.

When the user opens the table, the upward force of the Torsion Spring is insufficient to resist the full weight of the Table Top once it nears the final position (because of the increased torque as the table top rotates its' weight horizontally away from the center of the arc originating at the table leg shaft). As the Table Top nears its final position, it softly lowers naturally into its final position without an additional step by the user.

Typically, a torsion spring is mounted over a mandrel, with one leg pressing against one surface, and the other leg pressing against an adjoining surface. Our use is quite different. We have attached a plate to the Leg Shaft, via screws. The bottom leg of the torsion spring connects with the plate, while the top leg connects to the Table Top Frame, creating a force originating from the round shaft that the Torsion Spring is mounted on.

An additional unique advantage of our plate design is that it is adjustable. When the plate is cranked tight to the shaft, it makes the lower edge of the Torsion Spring closer to the Table Top Frame, increasing the force. Conversely, when the plate is loosened, it lowers the bottom Torsion Spring leg, reducing the force.

b. Our current Torsion Spring is the strongest aftermarket spring of its size—40 lb-in, per spring, with a width of only one inch, and a leg of 4″.

17. Connection Shaft

a. To connect the shaft of Leg Mo the shaft of Leg B, and the shaft of Leg C to the shaft of Leg D—providing greater rigidity and stability between the shafts as well as allowing for the placement of additional torsion springs, should a need for them be determined.

b. The shaft, made from steel, has to be strong enough to resist the forces acted upon it, while light enough not to hinder normal operations.

c. The Connection Shaft is located in the under belly of the Table Top, hidden from view.

18. Table Top Hinges

a. To create a nearly invisible, strong, rigid, nearly frictionless, connection between the two halves of the Table Top—rotating exactly 180 degrees.

b. To serve this purpose, we are using SOSS® 220 Invisible hinges. Typically, these are used on very heavy vertical doors.

c. Although any of several hinges may be used, an invisible hinge in the preferred embodiment option, but may decide, for optimization of functionality, to put a visible torsion hinge in the center of the Table Top.

20. Motion Control Pins

a. At each point where the Table Legs form a linkage—Anchor, Table Frame, and the Moving Bench—the legs also interact with Motion Control Pins. The pins are connected to the rigid structure the Table Leg is forming a linkage with. The pins enter a slot cut out of the Table Leg. When the Table Leg makes contact with the pin, it is restricted from pivoting farther in that direction. When rotated in the other direction, the Tabel Leg will hit the pin on the other side, and will not be able to pivot farther. The placement and size of the pins determines the range of motion of the Table Legs, which then determines the overall operation and function of the piece.

b. The pins are made from steel and welded to the surface of the rigid structure near the bearing block. There are 8 pins in total.

c. There are several methods for controlling the range of motion. This was the simplest. In the future, we will likely integrate the motion control system into the shaft connection system—optimizing form and function.

Section D—Moving Bench (see FIG. 13-16 with Corresponding Reference Number)

19. Moving Bench

a. The Moving Bench provides a solid, stable seat whether in the fully extended position or fully folded. It is also the primary interface between the user and activation of the transformation of the table—from bench to table and back again.

When the table is open and Legs C and D are fully extended, the attached Moving Bench is constrained and unable to move farther away from the table. Similarly, without the user raising the center of the table slightly, because of the interrelation of forces, the Moving Bench cannot move toward the table, and thus rests rigidly in place.

Once the user raises the center of the table slightly, the Moving. Bench will easily glide forward, under the users' control, toward the static Bench. As previously outlined, once the Table Top has passed the center of the arc it will want to rest on that side, and because of the force acted by the torsion springs, the Table Top will physically hold the moving bench in the closed position, again, making for a rigid and stable connection.

In order to move easily, and without damage to the floors, the Moving Bench preferably has three wheels mounted in each of its two legs (see FIG. 14-16), preferably one 3″, 270 lb capacity caster, one 2″ 150 lb capacity caster, one 53 mm high speed, soft rubber skateboard wheel, although other types and combinations are also usable. The combination of wheel types, all non-marking, soft rubber, allow for great support, tracking, without damage to delicate hard wood floors. Though the wheels are mounted discretely, just barely extending beyond the exterior of the moving bench legs, the design is sufficient for travel on soft carpet or other non-hard surfaces.

In the preferred embodiment, the Moving Bench is designed to support the weight of three full size adults, in normal conditions. As well, it is designed for durability and extended use under normal operations.

Optionally, a fold-out back may be included with the Moving Bench to provide a back rest for those seated on the Moving Bench.

FIGS. 17-26 show additional views of the piece of the present invention in various positions including the folded and expanded states as well as various points during transitions.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the above process, in the described product, and in the construction set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the-accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A configurable furniture piece including a frame movable, between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, said frame comprising: a table member, including two table panels each with a top and a bottom side, said panels connected by a hinged connecting member on said bottom sides, a first chair member, including a first seating panel containing a top side and first support members each including at least one wheel for rolling and substantially perpendicular to said first seating panel, and a second chair member, including a second seating panel containing a top side, and second support members substantially perpendicular to said second seating panel; wherein the seating member of said second chair member may be pivoted, so as to rest in different orientations for the collapsed configuration and for the expanded configuration, wherein said furniture piece in the expanded configuration includes said top sides of said table panels aligned so as to together define a plane, said plane being substantially parallel to the top of each of said seating members, thereby said frame forming a table and two bench seating areas, and wherein said furniture piece in the collapsed configuration includes said bottom sides of said table panels resting along each other, their intersection defining a plane that is substantially perpendicular to said seating member of said first chair member, the table panels together serving as an expanded back for said first chair member thereby said frame forming a single bench seating area, and wherein said furniture piece may be moved between said first configuration and said second configuration by rolling said first chair member thereby causing said table panels to remain attached yet change orientation relative to each other by said hinged connecting member.
 2. The configurable furniture piece of claim 1 wherein said second chair member further consisting of a storage area beneath said seating members. 